I have to say that some Sens fans are starting to really get on my nerves. After last night’s game, a couple of friends down in Gatineau came over and quickly started blaming four guys. Alex Kovalev, Pascal Leclaire, Jonathan Cheechoo, and Jason Spezza. That’s as old as the computer itself. I have to say what did Kovalev do wrong last night? He made some really nice sweet passes to both Jonathan Cheechoo and Mike Fisher, one went off the crossbar and one was a goal. If you’re just going to sit there and keep complaining about Kovalev, then you’re an asstard. Yup, I went there. Give him a break. Same with Leclaire. He made great saves in the 2nd, however he did allow one bad goal from enforcer Blair Betts. But I’m going to throw one thing at you guys. All the best goalies have great defenses. Luongo does, Brodeur certainly does, Fleury does, Fuhr did, Roy did, what else do you want? The fact of the matter is that the defense failed Pascal Leclaire and the whole team last night, and if guys like Alexandre Picard and Chris Campoli keep performing that way, they’re going to start playing theirselves out of the lineup.
I did see one bright spot from last night. Brian Lee looked great, forechecking hard, getting the puck across the ice, and even standing up for his partner Chris Campoli a few times. Maybe he is finally coming into himself. Shean Donovan should be in the lineup tomorrow, and I would even play Leclaire if I was coach.
There is some rumors out there in the hockey world, some mentioning the Senators. I for one keep hearing rumors of Murray looking to finally get that No.1 defenseman he cherishes. It looks like his desperation move for Campoli last year isn’t panning out, so he may take time to see this through. I mentioned a few weeks ago at the troubles Chicago is having, and that stealing one of their offensive d-man could be worthy. I hope it’s not Brian Campbell, though, and even though Icky Ekky is saying Brent Seabrook, that’s not going to happen either. Seabrook is the Hawks’ No.1 defenseman and they will make sure they keep him. I however think Cam Barker may be the target. He’s cheap and effective, and recorded 51 points last season in the second pairing role. From what I have heard he also plays a good, sound defensive game. In a return you would probably be looking at one of Picard/Campoli, maybe Winchester or Shannon, and San Jose’s 2nd rounder. I alo think Joni Pitkanen may be target, but he may be risky and really went down the toilet in Edmonton before enjoying a great season in Carolina last year.
I have received e-mails about Ottawa and Peter Forsberg. I can say that Bryan Murray will absolutely be interested in the Swede to bolster his forward corps and Foppa himself may get a call from Daniel Alfredsson but I think Forsberg will likely go back to Colorado where he enjoyed his best years. We will see.